Death Valley Delights and Amazes

The vast openness of Death Valley put me at total peace driving into the heat. I loved every moment of our visit there, from the rolling hills and endless roads to the subtle landscape of sand dunes, salt flats, and colored canyons. The contrast to urban living is striking, which is part of its magic. It's beautifully nothing and something at the same time. I can't wait to go again (in the winter!). 

Fields Full of Poppies at Antelope Valley Poppy Preserve

Walking along a field full of poppies is an amazing way to start off spring break. We stopped at the Antelope Valley Poppy Preserve in southern California on the way to Death Valley. This super bloom year was astounding. There were poppies everywhere in glorious bright orange, swaying in the breeze. I could have stayed for the entire afternoon - but the wild west was calling!

Manzanita Lake and Subway Cave

Our last camp trip of summer was small but mighty. Two days in Lassen's Manzanita Lake campground were a hit in terms of friendship, sports, exploration and creativity. This mellow and beautiful lake is at the west entrance to Lassen National park, and it's an excellent water craft area for paddle boards and kayaks. 

Because we went during the Olympics, our crew made up all sorts of Olympic events, such as synchronized paddle boarding and sprint rowing loops. We even handed out medals during the campfire. 

15 minutes north of the park entrance is Subway Cave, a lava cave that really does look like a subway. Heading in with a flashlight was too easy for these girls. So we did lights off, and explored by hand. Do not try that at home (Mom almost fell!). 

Treasures of an Old California Mine

Over 4th of July weekend we went camping in the Eastern Sierras. The bonus was a Jeep ride to explore a deserted California mine. It's called the Chemung Mine, which may not have been gold, (possibly silver or ore) but the history is unclear so it's hard to say. 

Weathered wood, bullet shells, rusty nails, tattered roofs and gigantic gears were easily accessible without any crowds or tourist centers. We took our chances walking around, which was thrilling for older kids who don't usually get to do dangerous things. I was fascinated by the 100 year old nuts and bolts holding the beams together, reflecting a century of accomplishment. 

Sugar Pine Point State Park

Nestled on the west side of Lake Tahoe between Emerald Bay and Tahoe City is one of my new favorite places. It's so cool that I almost hesitate to write about it so I can keep it to myself. We decided to camp here for our first weekend of summer. Have you heard of Sugar Pine Point State Park? I hadn't, but I'm glad to finally be introduced. Large camp sites, plenty of privacy, lots of forests, a maze of bike trails, no crowds, and clear blue lakefront all added up to a very enjoyable weekend in the outdoors. We entertained ourselves by exploring the local creek, freeing a rainbow trout, paddle boarding, badminton, and tandem bike riding. Summer has arrived!

Yosemite: It Gets You Every Time

Cozy Cabin along the Valley's bike path

View across the meadow from the Cozy Cabin

Family Photo + 1 very special friend

Huck Finn, Tom Sawyer, and other partners in crime

Please excuse my month-long hiatus from Keeps Me Smiling. I was indeed smiling, but a little consumed by life's constant events. Amidst the chaos, we took a detour into majestic Yosemite Valley with family friends. If you've never visited Yosemite, consider putting it on your travel wish list. If you have, then you know what I mean when I say: "It gets you every time". Sunrise on granite, serene bike rides through the valley, and plenty of rivers running through it. It's enough to make you stop, drop, and reevaluate everything else going on around you.

The girls were less existential, but no less entertained by all the outdoors has to offer. For three hours one afternoon, they played by the riverbank with a convention of ladybugs. They rode up to Mirror Lake. They roasted a mean marshmallow. They acted out forest theater. They had fun with their friends, and ignored their parents. Life was perfect.

Camping, no matter how you slice it, is a little resource intensive for my taste. But the payoff is huge. An even huger payoff would be bypassing the RV and the North Pines Campground for the Ahwahnee Hotel. Yes, consider that added to my wish list.

Things To Do
Yosemite National Park

RVing With Kids

One of my close friends is parenting solo this summer while her husband is away for some work obligations. Both of us have been interested in RVs, and similarly, both of our husbands have NOT been interested in RVs. The gap made a perfect excuse to team up, combine the kids, and hitch a 29' ride for a week.

Was it a good idea? Oh, if only you knew the half of it! The children were experts before we left the front gate. It's like summer camp on wheels. All of a sudden, kids gain this amazing sense of independence, and all you have to do is sit back and watch the show. Here are some pointers if you are planning to head out:

1) Start with a test day to learn how the systems work (generator, hook ups, water pump, etc.).
2) Local is fine. The RV is the change of scene; no need to drive 14 hours when driving two hours will accomplish what you need.
3) Avoid RV Parks (trust me, they are not your scene).
4) Go with another family (trust me, kids love other kids, this IS your scene).
5) Try the KOA. It's a great hybrid combining a traditional campsite with the amenities of an RV park, and tailored for families.
6) Let the kids roam free.
7) Level is good. I did tend to notice a tipping feeling when the RV wasn't level. The more level you are, the more solid you feel in the RV when it's parked.
8) Keep choices simple to avoid bickering over "the pink bowl" or "the blue spoon". RV house rule? You get what you get!

Now on to Craigslist to see if I can line up one of these crafts for the long haul. For more family travel tales, check out Trekaroo's Spotlight Thursday.